A significant portion of the UNESCO-recognized Western Ghats runs through Karnataka, making it one of India's richest states for biodiversity.
* **National Parks & Tiger Reserves:** Bandipur and Nagarhole are premier destinations for spotting wild elephants, Bengal tigers, and leopards. Other vital protected areas include Bannerghatta National Park (near Bengaluru), Kudremukh, and Anshi National Park. * **Wildlife Sanctuaries:** Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary are rich in flora and fauna. * **Bird Watching:** Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Mysuru and Kokkare Bellur are critical nesting grounds for migratory and resident birds like painted storks and pelicans. * **Flora:** The state is famously associated with Sandalwood forests, rosewood trees, and diverse orchids in the high-altitude Shola forests.